Vokes eager to return to full fitness for Clarets

Dan Black

Clarets striker Sam Vokes is hoping to get fighting fit over the summer months in readiness for a return to the Championship.

The 25-year-old went from 20 goals in 39 league appearances for the Clarets during the 2013/14 term to one goal in six starts across all competitions this season after spending nine months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

Sam Vokes wants to get a good pre-season under him

The Welshman, who netted on his second outing back in the FA Cup stalemate with Spurs at Turf Moor in January, went on to make his international reappearance in March in a 3-0 win over Israel at the Sammy Ofer Stadium.

However, after five successive domestic starts under Sean Dyche, the former Wolves frontman has been forced to miss the last three fixtures with a thigh strain.

“It’s been a roller-coaster for me this year in trying to get fit, proving my fitness and then getting back in the team,” he said.

“On a personal note it’s been very frustrating, watching from the sidelines and then ending like this.

It’s important for me to have another season like I did last year because I had a great time

Sam Vokes

“Picking up little niggles in the last couple of weeks for some important games has been frustrating too.

“I’ll have to concentrate on getting a good pre-season now.”

Vokes added: “For me I’ll just get my head around the summer and get a good pre-season under my belt.

“It’s important for me to have another season like I did last year because I had a great time.

“Our next objective is to have a good summer and come back fresh for another season back in the Championship.”

Now, after sampling the Premier League for the first time, Vokes is eager to get back.

“It’s been a great environment to be around for the last year, in the Premier League,” he said. “It’s the best place to play your football and I’ve learned a lot.